How to Make Glow Sticks Brighter

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Glow sticks are a type of light source that contains two chemicals and a dye called sensitizer or fluorophosphate. ^{[1]
X
Research source} This creates an endothermic reaction and causes the glow sticks to glow. If the glow sticks are too dim for you liking, you can brighten them up by speeding up the heat and reaction.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Boiling Water Method

1
Snap the glow sticks so you can activate the chemical reaction needed for the sticks to glow.
2
Fill a pan with warm water and have it boil.

Advertisement
3
Place the glow sticks in the water and allow it to boil for about a minute. The heat will speed up the chemical reaction, making the glow sticks twice as brighter than they were originally. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Remove the glow sticks from the water using tongs.
5
Go in a dark room. Now your glow stick can glow brighter!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Microwave Method

1
Snap the glow sticks so you can activate the chemical reaction needed for the sticks to glow.
2
Place them on a plate.
3
Microwave them on high for about ten seconds. The heat from the microwave will energize the hydrogen peroxide in the glow sticks, making the glow sticks react faster and brighter. .^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Remove the glow sticks from the microwave and allow them to cool for about five minutes.
5
Go in a dark room. Now your glow stick can glow brighter!

Community Q&A

Question

How does this work chemically?

TomPN

Top Answerer

The heat/microwaves add energy to the reaction, causing it to proceed faster and release more photons per second, which we perceive as an increase in brightness.
Question

How do I make a glow stick?

Anika Shenoy

Community Answer

Look at our article How to Make a Glowstick. This shows you how to create a Glowstick in just a few steps!
Question

What are important facts about glow sticks?

TomPN

Top Answerer

The contain hydrogen peroxide, a diphenyl oxalate derivative (usually bis( 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate), and a fluorophore dye. There is a glass capsule in the center, which separates the peroxide and oxalate chemicals. When it is broken, the chemicals react together, producing energy that is captured by the dye and emitted as light. The type of dye determines the color.